Lykens Township history recounts history in the Gratz area

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — Sunbury Press has released History of Lykens Township Volume 1, compiled by the Gratz Historical Society.

About the Book:Lykens Township is perhaps the largest township in Dauphin County. It borders Mifflin Township on the west, Northumberland County on the north, Schuylkill County on the east, and Short Mountain on the south.

The first volume of the book contains the official history of the township dating back to when the Susquehanna Indians lived here. The colorful story of Andrew Lykens who settled near what is now Loyalton about 1756 is next. The record of his life is most interesting.

The area of Oakdale, and village of Loyalton is detailed in depth because of its early commercial beginnings, and contributions to the developing community. Information and genealogy of the first old families who established the town is included and the present residents of the town are also recognized.

From here, North Crossroads Road leads the way along the area of old homesteads, and also where the early Hoffman family settled, and the site of the old Hoffman Cemetery. Crossroads Road eventually joins Route 25.

A previous turn to the right onto Specktown Road, leads to the little settlement along Short Mountain, and Indian Trail. It eventually leads to the entrance to the town of Gratz.

There are histories and many photographs, as well as other information for each of the early homes and families. Also of country schools, the churches, and other historic landmarks.

The book contains a table of contents, also an index to genealogies, in addition to the index of individual names found in the book.